MSC Cruises has held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston in Texas, the cruise line’s second cruise terminal in the United States.

The cruise line will convert an existing cargo warehouse into a 165,000-square-foot terminal at Pier 16. The US $151 million development includes a US $55 million parking garage and will be home to MSC Seascape when it opens in November 2025.

Galveston Wharves, which operates the Port of Galveston, held a ceremony with executives from MSC Cruises and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well as elected officials and community leaders.

“We have so much to celebrate today with this milestone and what it means to our community, cruise guests and port partners,” said Rodger Rees, Port Director & CEO, Galveston Wharves. “This beautiful new terminal will generate jobs and economic growth for the region, an exciting new cruise choice for our market, and growth opportunities for our port partners.”

“We also want to take this opportunity to give a warm, Texas welcome to MSC Cruises, the world’s third largest cruise line. Having a cruise line of this stature homeporting in Galveston says a great deal about our position in the U.S. and global cruise markets,” he added.

Galveston will be MSC Cruises’ fourth US homeport after Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York. During the coming season, a total of seven MSC cruise ships will sail roundtrip itineraries from the US.

“The groundbreaking for Cruise Terminal 16 marks a significant milestone in MSC Cruises’ ongoing US expansion,” said Rick Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises US. “Adding Galveston as our fourth homeport will make it even easier for travelers from the central and western parts of the country to enjoy our distinctive mix of European style and American comfort.”

“This state-of-the-art terminal will set the tone for a memorable cruise experience. We are thrilled to work closely with the Galveston Wharves to shape the future of cruising in Texas, delivering extraordinary vacations and unforgettable moments aboard the beautiful and modern MSC Seascape,” he added.

Miami-based Bermello Ajamil & Partners designed the terminal, including the parking garage design, as well as planning marine structure and civil improvements such as surface parking, access roads and utilities. 

Bermello Ajamil & Partners also designed Galveston’s US $125m Royal Caribbean terminal that opened in 2022.